FORMER COLLISEUM SITE OPENS FOR PARKING

(12/3/2007) Parkers from Shartenberg Site Move to New Parking Lot as Preparations Begin for Groundbreaking

NEW HAVEN- The parking lot on the site of the former Shartenberg Department Store closed Saturday to begin initial preparations for the groundbreaking and construction of a highly anticipated, new 31-story mixed-used development. While one parking lot closed this week, another opened. Individuals who parked on this lot at the corner of State Street and Chapel Street, have been relocated to park at a new interim surface lot on the site of the former Coliseum.

The Coliseum was demolished earlier this year making room for new downtown projects. The City is preparing to issue proposals from developers in the next month and working with Long Wharf Theatre and the Knights of Columbus to develop the Coliseum site.

Along with housing vehicles from the former Shartenberg site, the new interim parking lot will provide 435 spaces for downtown visitors and employees as it generates revenue for the City. ProPark will operate the new parking site bounded by State Street, North Frontage, South Orange and George Street and a second adjacent 100 space lot on George and South Orange for monthly parkers and transient parkers.

“This new interim parking lot and preparations for the first steps in the Becker and Becker development represent the steady growth of our downtown and the foundation for great things to come,” said Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. “New parking spaces help to accommodate commuters who use rail service as well as people who come in to New Haven to work, dine or enjoy the many attractions we have to offer.”

While the surface lots are open for parking, work continues on the landscaping and aesthetics of the site. As finishing touches are put on the interim lot, the City is preparing to open South Orange Street and George Street in that area to the public as early as Wednesday morning once traffic signals are reinstalled. The interim lots will be staffed, lighted and maintained by Propark seven days a week meeting the needs of the Ninth Square businesses and rail users as well as commuters who have complained about the lack of spaces close to the train station.